The Wilderness Lodge and Villas FAQ (Part 7) Simbas and Tiggers and Humphreys OH MY!

[jak07]

Just got back from WL a couple of days ago. This was our 4th time staying at WL.
It was our 10yr anniversary, so DH booked the honeymoon suite on the 7th floor. LOVED IT!!!!!! We had a view of the MK fireworks.

Loved the Old Faithful Club. There was so much to eat throughout the day that we didn't need to buy food in the parks. Good selection of food too.

The staff throughout the lodge was exceptional!! The best experience with CM's that we have ever had.

The busses and boats were horrible!!!!! We usually walked right up on a bus in the morning without any wait, but then we would have to share with another resort. In the mornings it was GF, and in the evenings it was FW. We would arrive early to the bus stop, but with making another stop we would be late to the parks. The busses were crowded!!!!

The boat to MK was nice and we made it in a decent time, but when we would take one back and forth to CR, it was horrible. We would wait forever!! The FW boat kept coming, but not the WL boat. One night we waited for the boat to CR for over 30 minutes, probably closer to 45 minutes. We finally took a cab because we were late for dinner and were being eaten alive by bugs.

So excited to learn about the entire lodge room refurb in October. Can't wait. (I didn't know about it because I am rarely on here.)

 

[WDWKOOK]

Just got back from WL a couple of days ago. This was our 4th time staying at WL.
It was our 10yr anniversary, so DH booked the honeymoon suite on the 7th floor. LOVED IT!!!!!! We had a view of the MK fireworks.

Loved the Old Faithful Club. There was so much to eat throughout the day that we didn't need to buy food in the parks. Good selection of food too.

The staff throughout the lodge was exceptional!! The best experience with CM's that we have ever had.

The busses and boats were horrible!!!!! We usually walked right up on a bus in the morning without any wait, but then we would have to share with another resort. In the mornings it was GF, and in the evenings it was FW. We would arrive early to the bus stop, but with making another stop we would be late to the parks. The busses were crowded!!!!

The boat to MK was nice and we made it in a decent time, but when we would take one back and forth to CR, it was horrible. We would wait forever!! The FW boat kept coming, but not the WL boat. One night we waited for the boat to CR for over 30 minutes, probably closer to 45 minutes. We finally took a cab because we were late for dinner and were being eaten alive by bugs.

So excited to learn about the entire lodge room refurb in October. Can't wait. (I didn't know about it because I am rarely on here.)

Thank you for your honest review and can you tell me where you read about the entire lodge room rehab? It looks like I missed that one

 

[ALittleDisneyFan]

This will be my first stay at WL.. Are the buses always a problem??

 

[germ539]

A couple of questions, when is the refub for this resort? and can you request a microwave at checkin to have in your room?

thanks

 

[MMrules]

This will be my first stay at WL.. Are the buses always a problem??

I had NO bus problems when I went in Feb. I found the buses to be great!! I didn't go to HS or DTD but the bus to Epcot and AK were problem free

 

[nathanyell]

Brian,

Are you having WL withdrawls yet????

I bet you missed your little princess so much, however, it is nice to have grown up time! My boys are 4 and 6 and this past Feb. was the first time I had to myself since they have been born (DH had to stay home b/c we have no sitter for a long weekend).

I hope you had a great weekend!!!!

Tracy

Yes we are going through withdrawal. LOL!! It was an awesome trip. The little princess did great, and believe it or not we did too. I think club level helped with that a little bit. We were amazed at how much we enjoyed club level, though I'm not sure we would pay for it.

I was thinking the same thing! Brian, you know we are all waiting to hear about your WL weekend... and how your princess did...and how you two without her. Welcome back!

It's been a difficult few days in our house - my 18 yr old 5 lb Maltese has had a medical emergency, so we've been trying to take care of her and keeping her well. She is not ready to leave us quite yet.

Oh Nana! I hope things are going a bit better. I'll keep you in my prayers!!

 

[nathanyell]

Just got back from WL a couple of days ago. This was our 4th time staying at WL.
It was our 10yr anniversary, so DH booked the honeymoon suite on the 7th floor. LOVED IT!!!!!! We had a view of the MK fireworks.

Loved the Old Faithful Club. There was so much to eat throughout the day that we didn't need to buy food in the parks. Good selection of food too.

The staff throughout the lodge was exceptional!! The best experience with CM's that we have ever had.

The busses and boats were horrible!!!!! We usually walked right up on a bus in the morning without any wait, but then we would have to share with another resort. In the mornings it was GF, and in the evenings it was FW. We would arrive early to the bus stop, but with making another stop we would be late to the parks. The busses were crowded!!!!

The boat to MK was nice and we made it in a decent time, but when we would take one back and forth to CR, it was horrible. We would wait forever!! The FW boat kept coming, but not the WL boat. One night we waited for the boat to CR for over 30 minutes, probably closer to 45 minutes. We finally took a cab because we were late for dinner and were being eaten alive by bugs.

So excited to learn about the entire lodge room refurb in October. Can't wait. (I didn't know about it because I am rarely on here.)

We did have crowded buses, but I felt they were prompt and we did not have to wait long. I never had a issue with the boats, though I did notice in the afternoon that the boat to the MK was shared with FW. Did you notice that?

Brian

 

[jak07]

Thank you for your honest review and can you tell me where you read about the entire lodge room rehab? It looks like I missed that one

I didn't read about the refurb, we talked to a manager on CL. He told us that the entire resort was being refurbed starting in October. Don't know how true it is, but that is what he said. I assumed that someone else would have heard about it by now, so take it with a grain of salt, I guess.
I do hope it is true because as much as we loved our room, it needed some attention.

I did notice in the afternoon that the boat to the MK was shared with FW. Did you notice that?

We never took the boat from WL to MK in the afternoon. We took it in the morning, and it was fine in the morning. It was going to and from CR that was the problem.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Oh Nana! I hope things are going a bit better. I'll keep you in my prayers!!

Thanks, Brian - trying tog et meds into ehr is the challenge...she is soo little and missing half her lower jaw, no teeth, so with no appetite we must try to cruch the meds into pedia-sure, but she is one strong little thing!! She can wipe her little head all over the place, so the meds go anywhere but in her!

It's so good to see you back! Do you have pics to share, a mini TR for us? Did you hear anything about the refurb? Definitely time since the last one was 2006 and Disney has a refurb schedule....I read CR is going to have one as well. We walked through the old North Wing in April 2005 when the refurb was going on. All the new carpet was down, room had been painted...what a waste to see that torn down after a refurb. I'd like to think they pulled up the carpet and used in in the South Wing.

Hope WL gets new carpeting etc. I far preferred the previous room look with the Mission style furnishings - was not as dark. I LOVE A refurb....WL just might have to get on the list for possible birthday celebration resorts.

 

[MMrules]

Yes we are going through withdrawal. LOL!! It was an awesome trip. The little princess did great, and believe it or not we did too. I think club level helped with that a little bit. We were amazed at how much we enjoyed club level, though I'm not sure we would pay for it.



Welcome home!!! Glad to hear that you had a great time! I have never stayed CL either...I wouldn't turn down a free upgrade, but I am just not that big of an eater. Maybe someday I will try to get CL at the AKV through my points, but it isn't a big deal if we don't.

Back to reality right???I always hate coming home and then countdown til I get to visit again

 

[germ539]

A couple of questions, when is the refub for this resort and how long will it take? and can you request a microwave at checkin to have in your room?

thanks

 

[WDWKOOK]

A couple of questions, when is the refub for this resort and how long will it take? and can you request a microwave at checkin to have in your room?

thanks

jak07 posted that a CL mgr. told him/her that beginning in October there would be a room rehab. No other details were mentioned.

Usually the rehabs are done floor by floor. With a soft rehab, the mattresses are replaced (which IMHO is much needed at the WL). I believe that every 6 (?) years, WDW resorts undergo a more intensive rehab which can include furniture and carpeting. This is only an estimate, but it seems they can take up to 6 months to complete, but I'm not certain.

I did find a 2005 thread about a WL rehab that had begun in 2005 and ended in early 2006. It included furniture and was a complete rehab. If that was in fact the last rehab, then it makes sense that it's due for another soon.

Maybe someone who is there now or going soon could ask a WL/GM. I suspect TheRustyScupper would be able to provide more details

Request the microwave when you check-in.

 

[jak07]

Thank you WDWKOOK. Yes, I spoke to a CL mgr. We mentioned a few things that needed attention in our room...like the top part of the outlet wasn't working and a light was starting to hang down. He took note of it and then briefly mentioned that the lodge would be refurbed in October. I didn't push it and ask any questions, because I was sure that someone here would know. I guess that is what I get for assuming.

That's all I know, but please don't hold me to it. You know Disney can change their mind in a split second.

We will be back at the lodge in 2 weeks. Maybe I can find something out if nobody else has.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Does anyone know if they doing the villas or just the main lodge rooms. I'll be in a studio villa the first week in Nov and am wondering if I should try to switch to a different resort.

 

[ajj221]

If they are doing a refurb in October should I not stay there the first week of November? Would I feel like I was in the middle of a construction zone or are they pretty discreet and we might even get a better rate out of it.

 

[jkstewart1800]

like 4 days ago, but I was traveling and didn't have an internet connection! Tonight I am going to have to sit down and read all the posts i missed so I can catch up... and gather my thoughts to give a good recap/review.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

like 4 days ago, but I was traveling and didn't have an internet connection! Tonight I am going to have to sit down and read all the posts i missed so I can catch up... and gather my thoughts to give a good recap/review.

Welcome back! Looking forward to your review!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Was checking out the 2012 WL rates and boy, was I in for a shock! I didn't even both looking at other resorts to compare...

WL rates for a std room range from $265 to $460!!! $460 for a std WL room - are they nuts????

Courtyard view is $320 to $530???

How can families possibly afford these rates? Bunk-bed rooms are even higher. Not everyone can travel during value season and not everyone wants to be in a std room looking at pine trees and a service area (definitely not me).

I am very disappointed that Disney is raising rates so high, it's going male a Disney vacation very difficult for many families - and seniors like me who travel with a friend.

The first trip with my granddaughter I wanted to be in a MK resort,m but needing two rooms, this is going to require either a huge code or we may even have to stay at a dreaded value resort - which I am not sure I could bring myself to do again. The resort is a big part of my Disney vacation and love to have a balcony and relax.

Maybe Disney is planning on some good codes.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Was checking out the 2012 WL rates and boy, was I in for a shock! I didn't even both looking at other resorts to compare...

WL rates for a std room range from $265 to $460!!! $460 for a std WL room - are they nuts????

Courtyard view is $320 to $530???

How can families possibly afford these rates? Bunk-bed rooms are even higher. Not everyone can travel during value season and not everyone wants to be in a std room looking at pine trees and a service area (definitely not me).

I am very disappointed that Disney is raising rates so high, it's going male a Disney vacation very difficult for many families - and seniors like me who travel with a friend.

The first trip with my granddaughter I wanted to be in a MK resort,m but needing two rooms, this is going to require either a huge code or we may even have to stay at a dreaded value resort - which I am not sure I could bring myself to do again. The resort is a big part of my Disney vacation and love to have a balcony and relax.

Maybe Disney is planning on some good codes.

The rack rate for a STD room at WL during value season is currently $250. The 2012 rate for the same room has increased to $265 or 6%. The same room at the peak/holiday rate is $450 in '11. In '12, the same room during the holiday season will be $465. I would guess that most guests book with some type of discount. I always have been able to book with 40% off

In the value season, this only represents a $15/night increase; for a 7-night stay that's only $105. While we can all think of other things we'd rather do with $15 more a day in our pockets at WDW, I would guess this won't be a deal breaker for most guests. But if they keep up the pace of a 6% increase every year, in about 12 years the room rate will DOUBLE. I just don't think that's sustainable nor is it even close to consistent with inflation or salary increases.

With the WL rehab. purportedly starting in October, hopefully this will somewhat help you to justify the cost increase in '12. I hope that you'll still be able to visit the Lodge again in '12. If not, I don't think you'll "dread" a Value resort. And, besides, some of the Deluxe resort rooms don't even have balconies.

You might want to also consider a Studio or Suite at BLT or VWL instead of two rooms. Or maybe an off-site resort might be in your future? Their rates are very competitive and many offer amenities, service and luxury that far exceed the Disney Resorts'

BTW, you and Gracie are in my thoughts

 

[Minnie&Nana]

The rack rate for a STD room at WL during value season is currently $250. The 2012 rate for the same room has increased to $265 or 6%. The same room at the peak/holiday rate is $450 in '11. In '12, the same room during the holiday season will be $465. I would guess that most guests book with some type of discount. I always have been able to book with 40% off.

In the value season, this only represents a $15/night increase; for a 7-night stay that's only $105. While we can all think of other things we'd rather do with $15 more a day in our pockets at WDW, I would guess this won't be a deal breaker for most guests.

With the WL rehab. purportedly starting in October, hopefully this will somewhat help you to justify the cost increase in '12. I hope that you'll still be able to visit the Lodge again in '12. If not, I don't think you'll "dread" a Value resort. The important thing is that you're onsite at WDW! And, besides, some of the Deluxe resort rooms don't even have balconies. And, you might want to also consider a Studio or Suite at BLT or VWL instead of two rooms

WDWKOOK ~ I have stayed at all levels of Disney resorts in 30 yrs and 50 stays, but by far more often at the deluxe resorts (MK resorts more than EPCOT) and the last several years I feel Disney rates have gotten outrageous. Not everyone is fortunate enough to receive a 40% code - so far the public codes this year have been in the 25 to 30% range. Besides, I think the code game is silly - Disney should price the rooms reasonably for what guests receive. Sure many hotels offer discounted rates, but these are usually available to most guests, not by an elusive pin code (I have received more than my fair share of Disney pin codes, so this is not the opinion of someone who has not been so fortunate). I am also a former AP holder of several years, but years ago a perk of the AP was indeed reduced room cost and Disney pushed AP purchase with that promise - no longer a true perk.

I would never stay in a deluxe room without a balcony, so that is not a concern for me. We've been staying at MK resorts since 1981 and only a couple of times in the old North Wing without a balcony. At Poly I will not accept a room without a balcony and at BC will not accept one without a full balcony - it is that important to me.

As for the values - I do not enjoy a value resort or for that matter a moderate. We've stayed at a value when attending MF when many in our group was there and once when I had to change resorts due to a tropical storm when my flight was cancelled. I've enjoyed stays at FQ/POR and CBR, but would not likely stay at any of those again. Also have rented points from friends a few times and stayed DVC both a studio and 1 bedrm...so I've had a gamut of resort experience and just personally believe Disney could do better.

These resorts do not even come close to a truly fine resort or hotel...back in the '80's it was closer....choice of newspaper every morning, turn down service with chocolates every evening - those days are long gone along with the outstanding Disney guest service of the '70's and '80's.

I would most likely stay home rather than stay at a value because the resort is a huge part of my vacation, not just being at WDW.